Release

August 26, 2025
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What is Release?

In project management, a release refers to the distribution of a product or a set of features to users or stakeholders after development and testing are complete. It marks a significant milestone in the project lifecycle where the product transitions from the development phase to active use. Releases can occur at the end of a project or at regular intervals, depending on the delivery model used, such as agile or waterfall. It may include software, documentation, training materials, or any combination of deliverables approved for use.

Releases are carefully planned to ensure they meet quality standards, align with stakeholder expectations, and support business objectives. The process often involves version control, change management, communication strategies, and detailed scheduling to ensure a smooth rollout. After a release, teams typically monitor performance, gather user feedback, and plan for maintenance or future enhancements.

Key Points

  • It makes a product or feature officially available for use by its intended audience.
  • It usually follows a series of development, testing, and approval steps.
  • Release planning involves coordination across multiple teams, including development, quality assurance, operations, and customer support.
  • It has different types, including major, minor, and emergency (or hotfix) releases.
  • Its success depends on clear documentation, defined processes, and effective communication with stakeholders.

Related Terms

  • A deployment refers to the technical process of installing and activating the product or update in the live environment.
  • Version control ensures that all changes made to a product are tracked and managed before and after the release.
  • The release plan outlines the timing, scope, and responsibilities involved in delivering the product.
  • In agile project management, a product backlog may influence what the team includes in each release.
  • Change management supports the transition that users and systems go through as a result of a new release.

Release: Example

A mobile app development team completes a series of new features and fixes based on user feedback. After testing and approval, they schedule a release for the new version on a specific date. The team informs users about the changes, coordinates with app stores for distribution, and prepares customer support to handle any issues. Once the update is live, they monitor its performance and begin planning the next release cycle.

Release: Best Practices

  • Create a clear release plan that includes timelines, responsibilities, and contingency steps.
  • Involve stakeholders early to gather input and manage expectations.
  • Ensure rigorous testing before rolling out any updates to reduce the risk of failure.
  • Communicate release details effectively to all impacted users and teams.
  • Document lessons learned to improve future release processes.

Additional Resources

Release - Agile Practice Guide     Release - Software Release Train A Complete Guide

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